Up and Vanished: Kristal Reisinger - Part 4: Fried Rice

Release Date: March 22, 2025

In the gripping fourth installment of Up and Vanished’s Season 2, host Payne Lindsay delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Kristal Reisinger from Crestone, Colorado. Titled "Kristal Reisinger: Part 4 - Fried Rice," this episode uncovers new leads, unexpected alliances, and the relentless pursuit of truth that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Case Overview

Kristal Reisinger, a young mother and poet, vanished in the summer of 2016 from the secluded spiritually-focused town of Crestone, Colorado. Despite the community’s tranquil facade, Kristal's disappearance unveiled a web of secrets and connections that had long been hidden beneath the surface.

Payne Lindsay (00:02): "Crystal Reisinger vanished in the summer of 2016 from the small town of Crestone, Colorado, a place known for its spirituality, its isolation, and as I'd come to learn, its secrets."

New Developments and Dead-Ends

Years passed with few breakthroughs, leading to frustration and numerous dead ends. Two primary suspects, known by the nicknames Catfish John and Dready Brian, were among the last people to see Kristal alive. However, both have since died, seemingly sealing the case.

Payne Lindsay (02:40): "For years, two names kept coming up. Two men who, by all accounts, were some of the last people to see Crystal alive. But now they're both dead."

A Breakthrough Tip

Four years into the investigation, a pivotal moment occurs when Payne receives an unusual email from an inmate in Sumter County, Florida. This inmate claims that his boyfriend possesses vital information about Kristal's disappearance.

Payne Lindsay (05:42): "She told me there was a man sitting in prison, someone with intimate knowledge of Crystal Reisinger's disappearance, and he wanted to confess... to me specifically."

This tip leads Payne to a man nicknamed "Rice," whose connection to the case resurfaces after fading into obscurity over the years.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

The investigation gains momentum when the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) starts collaborating with Tenderfoot TV. This partnership marks a significant shift from previous seasons, bringing official resources into the podcast’s investigative efforts.

Kevin (07:13): "Because I kept my word, because I never released those tapes, something happened that almost never does in cases like this. They started to trust me."

Payne discusses with Kevin, an investigator at the CBI, the importance of media collaboration in solving cold cases. Kevin emphasizes the potential of the podcast to reach individuals who may be reluctant to speak directly with law enforcement.

Kevin (10:15): "I have never called the media for anything in any one of my cases."

Building Trust and Encouraging Tips

A significant part of the episode focuses on building trust within the community to encourage individuals with information to come forward. Kevin highlights the barriers that prevent people from speaking up, such as fear of retaliation or distrust of authorities.

Kevin (11:17): "I think that's one hurdle. The age of the case, really, it's a little bit old... sometimes time works in our favor in these cases."

To facilitate this, the CBI has established a dedicated tip line:

Payne Lindsay (38:52): "The official tip line for Crystal Reisinger's case for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is 720-741-7410."

Emotional Impact and Community Involvement

The episode underscores the emotional toll Kristal’s disappearance has had on her family and the broader community. Payne recounts attending Colorado's official Missing Persons Day, a poignant event that serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved cases lingering in the state.

Executive Director (21:02): "When I took over as executive director in 2013, we had around 240 missing persons under suspicious circumstances. That number you just heard of. 688 more than doubled in that time."

Payne reflects on the powerful moment when Kristal’s name was read aloud among dozens of other missing persons, symbolizing the urgent need for collective action and community support.

Payne Lindsay (23:03): "With law enforcement standing next to me, everything about this just felt different. Like a line had been finally drawn."

Rice's Crucial Role

The episode revisits Rice, whose insights become increasingly pivotal as the investigation progresses. Payne details the steps taken to contact Rice, including using the Securus app to communicate with him despite his incarceration.

Payne Lindsay (36:13): "I got on an app called Securus where you can message inmates in prison. I found his contact, an inmate number. Then I messaged him."

Rice, known as "Ghost," reaches out with a message hinting at critical information that could unravel the mystery of Kristal's disappearance.

Ghost (37:11): "I can get you the answers you want from his mouth. I am the one that can make him talk."

Closing in on the Truth

As the investigation advances, Payne emphasizes the transition from a cold case to an active investigation, urging listeners to come forward with any information they possess. The episode builds anticipation for future updates and underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by both the podcast team and law enforcement.

Payne Lindsay (38:52): "After all these years, the case is not just active, it's moving. And now we have new primary persons of interest."

Conclusion and Call to Action

"Kristal Reisinger: Part 4 - Fried Rice" culminates in a heartfelt plea for community involvement. Payne reiterates the importance of breaking the silence that has prolonged the agony of Kristal’s loved ones and stresses that the resolution is within reach.

Payne Lindsay (38:52): "This is your last chance to come forward before the walls inevitably close in... We want and we need the community's help here. Let's finish this and finally bring justice to Crystal Reisinger."

Key Quotes

• Payne Lindsay (05:42): "She told me there was a man sitting in prison... that I could help solve this case."
• Kevin (10:15): "I have never called the media for anything in any one of my cases."
• Executive Director (21:02): "The explosion of missing persons is stunning to say the least."
• Payne Lindsay (23:03): "Like a line had been finally drawn. There's no more waiting, no more hoping someone will finally say something."
• Ghost (37:11): "I can get you the answers you want from his mouth. I am the one that can make him talk."

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies Up and Vanished’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind perplexing disappearances. Through strategic collaborations, persistent investigation, and community engagement, Payne Lindsay and the Tenderfoot TV team bring listeners closer to resolving Kristal Reisinger’s case. As the investigation intensifies, the podcast serves as a beacon of hope for justice and closure.

For listeners eager to follow the latest developments, stay tuned for updates in the next episode and participate by sharing any pertinent information through the official CBI tip line.

Produced by Tenderfoot TV in association with Odyssey. For more true crime stories, visit Tenderfoot TV on your favorite podcast platform.